Image from video by Lynn Beittel/Visionary Video

(BIVN) – Hundreds enjoyed a free Thanksgiving feast on Thursday, courtesy the Waimea Community Meal at St. James’ Church.

From a news release provided by Tim Bostock, the Waimea Community Meal Chair:

The Waimea Community Meal at St. James’ Church regularly serves 800 people a week with a free home cooked hearty dinner. For Thanksgiving the all-volunteer team changed it up with a free lunch, provided from 11am to 1pm. Over 250 people enjoyed the meal in person, while just over 100 meals were distributed to homeless families on the beaches, E.R staff at Queens Hospital in Waimea, police and fire stations.

The meal was prepared in collaboration with Mana Christian ‘Ohana, who provided 20 imu-cooked turkeys. Turkey shredding started at 7:30 this morning. St. James’ parishioners brought in sides of beans, yams, and potatoes, while kitchen volunteers prepped rice, gravy, and cranberry sauce. 25 pumpkin pies came from Costco.

Image from video by Lynn Beittel/Visionary Video

The event was very festive, with live music, dancing and talking and enjoying the company in the open Pavilion.

The Waimea Community Meal has been running at St. James’ church for almost 7 years, despite the lack of facilities. The church is now planning to rebuild the Pavilion into a Community Center with full commercial kitchen, bathrooms, and large dining and meeting hall.

Image from video by Lynn Beittel/Visionary Video

From its inception the Meal has been defined by its “all welcome” camaraderie and live music – its motto is “Building Community One Meal at a Time.” Based on the fun time today the Waimea community is going strong!